alminium

Aluminium, commonly spelled aluminium in British and international usage or aluminum in American English, is a chemical element with the symbol Al and atomic number 13. It is a lightweight, silvery-white metal that forms a thin, protective oxide film, giving it excellent corrosion resistance. Aluminium is the most abundant metal in the Earth's crust and the third most abundant element overall, primarily found in minerals such as bauxite.

The metal is notable for its combination of lightness, ductility and strength when alloyed, good thermal and electrical conductivity, and ease of fabrication. It alloys readily with magnesium, silicon, and other elements to improve strength and reduce weight.

Most aluminium is extracted from bauxite ore. The Bayer process refines bauxite into alumina (Al2O3), which is then subjected to Hall–Héroult electrolysis to produce metallic aluminium. The production is energy-intensive, relying on large amounts of electricity.

Common uses include packaging (foil, beverage cans), transportation (aircraft, automobiles, railcars), construction (windows, facades, roofs), and electrical transmission lines, as well as consumer electronics. Aluminium alloys also play a key role in aerospace and industrial applications.

Historically, aluminium was first isolated in the early 19th century (Ørsted and Wohler), with commercial production beginning in the late 19th century (Hall and Héroult). The name derives from alumina and the Latin alumen.

Aluminium is highly recyclable; recycled aluminium requires only a small fraction of the energy of primary production and can be repeatedly reprocessed without loss of properties. Environmental considerations include mining impacts and energy use in refining, but recycling mitigates these effects.

Note: The standard spellings are aluminium or aluminum; alminium is likely a misspelling.